Downgrade from MDE P2 to Defender for Business (M365 E5 to Business Premium)

Hi DaDomi95,

when tranisitioning from Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 (MDE P2) to Defender for Business, there are several key considerations:

1. Licensing:
   In Defender for Endpoint, a mixed-licensing scenario refers to using a combination of Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 and Plan 2 licenses. While managing subscription settings can accommodate mixed licensing, it's important to note that MDE does not currently recognize a license mix that includes Defender for Business in the Defender Settings > Endpoints > Licenses.
   Manage your Microsoft Defender for Endpoint subscription settings across client devices | Microsoft Learn
   MS Defender mixed licensing - Microsoft Community Hub

2. Migration Process:
   To do the migration from MDE P2 to Defender for Business, there are comprehensive guides available to assist with preparation, setup, and device onboarding.
   Migrate to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint - Prepare | Microsoft Learn
   Migrate to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint - Setup | Microsoft Learn
   Migration and setup guides to move to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Microsoft Learn

3. Configuration:
   During the migration, organizations typically begin with their existing non-Microsoft antivirus/antimalware protection in active mode. Subsequently, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is configured in passive mode, and additional Defender for Endpoint features are set up.
   Migrate to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint from non-Microsoft endpoint protection | Microsoft Learn

For the broader transition from Microsoft 365 E5 to Business Premium, Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers an extensive suite of productivity and collaboration tools tailored for small and medium-sized businesses with up to 300 users. If your user base exceeds 300, exploring enterprise-level solutions is recommended. Microsoft provides a guide for upgrading or changing to a different Microsoft 365 for business plan.
Upgrade or change to a different Microsoft 365 for business plan | Microsoft Learn